Do You Need a J-1 Waiver? Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. Can Help.

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., a trusted Chicago-based law firm, we help foreign medical graduate physicians navigate the complex J-1 waiver process so they can work in the United States. Our experienced immigration attorneys have successfully handled numerous J-1 waivers, ensuring that physicians secure approvals while complying with all regulatory requirements.

We have in-depth knowledge about the waiver programs, and provide personalized legal guidance at every stage of the process – from development of the application, assembling the documents, to compliance and post-waiver planning.

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J-1 Waiver Options

Conrad 30 Waivers

The Conrad 30 Program allows each U.S. state’s Department of Health to sponsor up to 30 physicians per year for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement. In exchange for the waiver, the physician must agree to work full time for three years in a medically underserved area.

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we have extensive experience filing successful Conrad 30 J-1 waiver applications. We provide comprehensive legal support throughout the process, including:

• State program evaluation
• Research to determine HPSA scores
• Contingency planning
• Post-waiver compliance assistance
• Transfers in cases of extenuating circumstances

HHS Waivers – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsors J-1 waivers for physicians practicing in primary care and psychiatry specialties, including:

• Family Medicine
• General Internal Medicine
• General Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• General Psychiatry

To qualify, the physician must:

• Have completed their primary care or psychiatry residency training within 12 months before the start date of employment under the J-1 waiver contract.
• Be employed by a facility in or serving an underserved area with a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) score of 7 or higher.

Important Update (Effective October 1, 2023):

• Facilities listed as “Proposed for Withdrawal” on the HRSA website (https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find) are NOT eligible to apply for an HHS J-1 Visa Waiver for Clinical Care.

HHS Research Waivers – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also sponsors J-1 waivers for researchers who have participated in exchange visitor programs focused on medical or scientific research. These waivers are intended to allow foreign researchers to remain in the United States beyond the two-year home residency requirement when their continued presence is in the public interest.

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we assist institutions and foreign national researchers in preparing and filing research-based J-1 waiver applications that meet the detailed procedural and substantive requirements set by HHS.

Eligibility and Institutional Requirements:

The application must be submitted by a private or non-federal institution, organization, or agency, or by a component of HHS.

We assist with:

• Reviewing and assembling the required documentation.
• Coordinating with sponsoring institutions and legal departments.
• Ensuring technical compliance with HHS formatting, submission, and procedural rules.
• Preparing persuasive statements of public interest and research significance.

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we have experience guiding institutions and researchers through this highly technical waiver process and ensuring that the application is prepared correctly from the outset.

Questions About HHS Research Waivers?

We provide nationwide legal support to researchers and their institutions seeking HHS J-1 waivers. Contact us today to discuss your eligibility and how we can assist with your application.

Other J-1 Waiver Options

Hardship Waivers

A Hardship Waiver is available for physicians who can prove that their departure from the U.S. would cause extreme hardship to their U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or child. Unlike Conrad 30 and HHS waivers, Hardship Waiver recipients are NOT required to work in a medically underserved area.

Persecution Waivers

A Persecution Waiver may be granted if a physician demonstrates a well-founded fear of persecution due to their race, religion, or political opinion. The persecutor may be either the government itself or a group that the government is unwilling or unable to control.

Persecution waiver do not have a requirement to have a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or child, nor obligation to work in a medically underserved area.

No Objection Waivers

Physicians may apply for a No Objection Waiver if their home country provides a No Objection Statement, confirming that:

• The home country does not require them to fulfill the two-year home residency requirement.
• The home country does not object to them seeking permanent residency in the U.S.

Physicians who participated in a Graduate Medical Education clinical training program in J-1 visa status are NOT eligible for a No Objection Waiver. However, those who conducted medical research in J-1 status may apply.

Why Choose Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.?

• Chicago-Based, Nationwide Representation – While headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, we represent physicians across the U.S. in securing J-1 waivers.
• Proven Track Record – We have successfully handled numerous J-1 waivers and understand the complexities of the process.
• Personalized Legal Strategy – We tailor our approach to each physician’s specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.
• Full-Service Support – From waiver applications to post-approval compliance, we guide you through every step of the process.

More J-1 Waiver Questions? We Can Help.

At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we provide expert legal guidance on J-1 waivers. If you need assistance, reach out to us today.